Wyoming??

[ski&soccermom]

You were all very helpful a few years back when a friend of mine from Texas wanted to ski in Colorado at a small resort that would be comfortable for beginners (at the time they had only ever done one sub-zero week with us at Mount Snow). They found Cooper (NOT Copper) mountain and fell in love and have gone every winter for years. Next winter, they would like to find a similar hidden gem in Wyoming. Does anyone have ideas? They do not need any resort amenities, but do need access to easier terrain so I picture Magic but flatter? (Coming from the NY girl who has only ever skied the northeast). Thanks for any ideas!!!

 

[KustyTheKlown]

Targhee

 

[thetrailboss]

Second Grand Targhee. If you are looking for something off the radar than another option, assuming it is still in operation, is White Pine Resort just outside of Pinedale, Wyoming. You're an hour from Jackson Hole, but not paying J-Hole prices. The Wind River range is spectacular. Pinedale is pretty low-key and has the basic amenities.

White Pine Resort Creating Lasting Memories since 1940 Page Array

www.whitepineski.com

 

[2planks2coasts]

Targhee is awesome, but White Pine is more likely in line with what the OP seeks.

 

[kingslug]

Targhee is great..when you can see it..not for beginners though.
Jackson may not be a hidden gem but it has plenty of terrain for beginners..

 

[thetrailboss]

Targhee is awesome, but White Pine is more likely in line with what the OP seeks.

Depending on how they get there, if they are coming from SLC they might be able to throw in a sidetrip to Pine Creek if the snow is good:

Pine Creek Ski Resort | Cokeville WY

Pine Creek Ski Resort, Cokeville, Wyoming. 2,539 likes · 17 talking about this · 66 were here. Family-friendly ski resort with old school style. Re-discover the essence of skiing! Seek the cree

www.facebook.com

 

[KustyTheKlown]

Targhee is great..when you can see it..not for beginners though.
Jackson may not be a hidden gem but it has plenty of terrain for beginners..

most disorienting white out ive ever been in was at targhee

maybe its because i've only been to targhee as the chill day in the midst of lots of aggressive jackson skiing, so targhee feels tame, but i perceived it as pretty mellow and likely beginner friendly. tho i admittedly didn't actually investigate their beginner slopes/small lifts.

 

[ski&soccermom]

Thank you all!!!

 

[AdironRider]

Targhee beginner terrain is minimal, but is pretty much solid to upper level intermediate skiing everywhere. Best snow in the west.

Do not underestimate the visibility comments posted here, it can be brutal and will instantaneously make everything a double black.

 

[ski&soccermom]

I am sharing all of the responses! I think she is leaning towards White Pine.

Do not underestimate the visibility comments posted here, it can be brutal and will instantaneously make everything a double black.

 

[2planks2coasts]

Would they be driving or flying? White Pine is on the Indy Pass and depending on where and how they are traveling, there's plenty of other Indy Pass places they might be going by. The closest is Snow King in The town of Jackson, but while they have some easier terrain, they have a lot more steep stuff.

 

[thetrailboss]

Would they be driving or flying? White Pine is on the Indy Pass and depending on where and how they are traveling, there's plenty of other Indy Pass places they might be going by. The closest is Snow King in The town of Jackson, but while they have some easier terrain, they have a lot more steep stuff.

Yeah, I was thinking that Snow King is pretty steep....

 

[thetrailboss]

Targhee beginner terrain is minimal, but is pretty much solid to upper level intermediate skiing everywhere. Best snow in the west.

Do not underestimate the visibility comments posted here, it can be brutal and will instantaneously make everything a double black.

They do call it "Grand Fog-ee" for a reason.

 

[VTKilarney]

The White Pine trail map doesn't look that beginner friendly.

White Pine Resort Mountain

www.whitepineski.com

 

[2planks2coasts]

The White Pine trail map doesn't look that beginner friendly.

White Pine Resort Mountain

www.whitepineski.com

It is. Plenty of moderate pitches, even on the blues. Not quite as big as Cooper, but definitely in the same ballpark.

 

[ski&soccermom]

Would they be driving or flying? White Pine is on the Indy Pass and depending on where and how they are traveling, there's plenty of other Indy Pass places they might be going by. The closest is Snow King in The town of Jackson, but while they have some easier terrain, they have a lot more steep stuff.

They would be driving -great idea!

 

[LonghornSkier]

Not Wyoming, but IMO the most underrated place to ski in the west is Lost Trail MT/ID (it's on the border).

Not expensive, consistent snow, and a great mix of terrain for everyone.

 

[thetrailboss]

Not Wyoming, but IMO the most underrated place to ski in the west is Lost Trail MT/ID (it's on the border).

Not expensive, consistent snow, and a great mix of terrain for everyone.

Yes. That is on my list.

Also, Ski Discovery (Montana) is a fun place.

 

[Tonyr]

I skied two days at Grand Targhee a few weeks ago, it's no frills but an outstanding experience. There is plenty of intermediate terrain, the beginner terrain looks equivalent to White Pines although I didn't ski any of it. Targhee does have some steep areas but for the most part it's pretty tame especially compared to Jackson. The tree skiing and snow was excellent we were in knee deep powder both days and never waited anymore than 30 seconds in line. I'd highly recommend Targhee as your under the radar place to ski in WY, it's probably the best resort in the state next to Jackson. We stayed in Victor ID which was 35 minutes away and a nice little town, Driggs is 15 minuites closer to Targhee and is also a nice home base as well. The resort is pretty remote so I'd recommend staying in one of those two towns if you go.

 

[Tonyr]

Yes. That is on my list.

Also, Ski Discovery (Montana) is a fun place.

A colleague of mine has skied lost trail, while he liked the skiing he had mentioned to me that the lifts are old and slow.